Here is my interpretation of Frédéric Chopin's Prelude op. 28. no. 15 in D-flat major (1839), also known as the "Raindrop" Prelude.
Chopin composed a set of 24 preludes in all major and minor keys between 1835 and 1839. Although the prelude was already well-known in the 19th century as a short, introductory compositional form, Chopin reinvented it by liberating his Preludes from their introductory purpose. In fact, contrary to most preludes composed before Chopin (such as J.S. Bach's, for example), Chopin's Preludes are independent pieces. Today, Chopin's set of Preludes (op. 28) is considered to be one of the finest pieces of classical music ever composed due to the very large range of emotions which it evokes, its depth, its wittiness, and its originality. Some of the Preludes are surprisingly far ahead of Chopin's time in terms of compositional style and elaboration.
This piece is among the most celebrated of Chopin's 24 Preludes. Its nickname originates from the near-constant repetition throughout the piece of a single note, sometimes of an octave, which has often been compared to falling raindrops. In that regard, this piece is quite reminiscent of a physical and emotional thunderstorm. After a very lyrical and gentle start, the music becomes darker in register and grander in texture before returning to the initial mood. Chopin was allegedly inspired by a storm to compose this piece during his long-term stay in Mallorca in 1838-39, where he had decided to go together with his lover George Sand to take care of his weak health far away from the excessively humid Parisian winter.
7 сен 2024
